Toulouse vs. Cell C Sharks

Date                            : Thursday, 11 February 2016
Time                            : 20h45 (GMT+1)
Venue                          : Stade Ernest-Wallon, Toulouse, France

Notes

*The match will be televised at 21h40 on SS1 and SS1 A

Quotes from the Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby, Gary Gold.

“I was generally happy with our performance against Toulon. With that being our first hit-out of the season the players were bound to be a bit rusty in certain areas, but overall, I was pleased with the intensity and commitment shown in the match.

“The match against Toulouse gives us another opportunity to test new combinations and work on certain areas, that we were not as accurate in, last Friday. Toulouse boasts a good squad and they’ll provide the ideal test and preparation we require, ahead of the start of Super Rugby 2016.”

The following players are not available for selection due to either injury or SA Rugby limitations:

Beast Mtawarira
Coenie Oosthuizen
Francois Kleinhans
Giant Mtyanda
Lwazi Mvovo
Patrick Lambie
Ruan Botha

A spirited pre-season effort from the Cell C Sharks laid the platform for a hard-earned 29-21 victory over the reigning Heineken Cup champions, Toulon, at their home ground Stade Mayol inFrance on the weekend.

Pre-season friendlies are always an opportunity to give game time to the players who have been training, but not playing, for the past two months and more.

Often, there is an element of rustiness which is understandable given that the last time the players were involved in competitive rugby was October last year, but there was a much more polished look about the side, indicating that the hard work they have banked in the off-season will afford them the opportunity to hit the ground running when Vodacom Super Rugby starts.

“For a first hit-out, I was really pleased with certain aspects of the game,” said coach Gary Gold after the match. “I was particularly happy with our composure and the ability to score as many tries as we did.”

At one point, the Cell C Sharks led 24-0 and tries from Cobus Reinach, Paul Jordaan, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez and Lwazi Mvovo laid the groundwork for the victory, with three late tries from Toulon not enough to give them victory against the Durban side.

“There are a couple of areas we still need to work on, but I think by and large we came through the exercise to measure our levels of fitness and physicality quite well, against a seasoned team, already halfway through their season.

“There are areas to improve but I am happy with the intensity and attitude from the players, particularly shown in the last 10-15 minutes  when we were under pressure.”

He added that overall it was a good rugby day out, but he was disappointed about picking up a couple of injuries. “Patrick Lambie, Giant Mtyanda, Francois Kleinhans and Ruan Botha are big losses for us. They will all be assessed and we’ll know more once they’ve undergone scans.”

Flyhalf and captain Patrick Lambie suffered an AC (shoulder joint) injury just before half-time, with a prognosis still to be made on his expected return to play.

The second headache faced by Gary Gold is more pleasing: where and how to compose his loose-forward trio, given the absolute riches he has at his disposal.

The du Preez brothers, Jean-Luc and Daniel were hugely influential in this match, and with the likes of Marcell Coetzee and Jacques Potgieter also in the squad, there is no shortage of talent available for the Super Rugby competition starting in three weeks’ time.

Overall, it was a good day at the office with a second French match, against Toulous taking place on Thursday 11 February.